Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: Pinot Noir, often the most difficult grape variety to critique, is always changing in style. While classic Burgundy and cool New World efforts continue to be the darlings of sommeliers, serious wine millennials, and purists, the new style of richer fruit, more powerful structures, and the addition of other grape varieties are gaining traction in the marketplace. The 2016 Böen Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir is an excellent example of the "new aged" examples. TASTING NOTES: This wine is deep and concentrated. Its aromas and flavors of dark fruits and generous oak followed by smooth textures should pair it with spicy sausage and mushroom pizzas. (Tasted: June 12, 2018, San Francisco, CA)
Santa Maria Valley lies mainly in northern Santa Barbara County, with a small portion of it overlapping southern San Luis Obispo County. It is close to the Pacific, and runs east-west, which means warmer air in the eastern end draws cool air off the ocean in the west, and brings it through the valley. This effect, combined with abundant sunshine, lengthens the growing season. The longer growing season leads to long hang time, which promotes both ripeness and optimal acidity levels in grape berries. As early as the 1970’s, Santa Maria Valley was recognized as being a superior source of wine grapes, certainly including Chardonnay and Syrah. But arguably the top variety here is Pinot Noir.
Originally a domain primarily of growers, including the Miller Family of the justifiably famous Bien Nacido Vineyard, this AVA is now home to over 30 wineries. Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir consistently offers full flavors of cherry, strawberry and raspberry, often accompanied by notes of spice, cola, vanilla and earth. They show impressive balance and elegance, as well as great versatility with food.